Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA TOUR After Leaving LIV Golf, How Could He Lose $50M-85M from Contract?

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka announced on Monday that he has returned to the PGA Tour:

Koepka noted there are "financial penalties" involved. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp discussed the situation, announcing the Returning Member Program.

Rolapp noted that Brooks agreed to "a five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the PGA Tour's Player Equity Qrogram," which could result in the loss of "approximately $50-85 million in potential earnings." Kopeka also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution.

Rolapp noted that Koepka's return won't take away opportunities from the current members. Instead, playing fields will expand as necessary.

According to ESPN's Mark Schlabach, Koepka is expected to make his return in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which will be held from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.

Schlabach reported last week that Koepka had filed for reinstatement.

Koepka left the PGA Tour and joined the LIV Golf Invitational Series in June 2022. Per Reuters, Koepka didn't renew his PGA Tour membership following the 2022 season. That means he had to formally re-apply to join. However, because he left for LIV Golf in violation of Tour rules, a suspension could be possible.

The 35-year-old Koepka last played on the PGA Tour in March 2022, when he participated in the Valspar Championship.

In December, LIV Golf CEO Scot O'Neil announced that the league and Koepka had "amicably and mutually agreed" to part ways.

"We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season. Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home. We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course."

Koepka, who had one year left on his LIV Golf contract, is a three-time PGA Championship winner and two-time U.S. Open winner. He's also finished second at the Masters on two occasions. He has nine PGA Tour wins overall.

Koepka's last major victory was at the 2023 PGA Championship, and that gives him a five-year exemption at the four majors through 2028.

Koepka was among many big names who have left the PGA Tour for LIV, including Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau. Now Koepka is heading back as the 2026 season begins on Jan. 15 with the Sony Open.